Franklin Continues Expansion Of Broadband Network

-information courtesy of Franklin County Public Information Officer James Hicks

 

The Franklin County board of commissioners approved in May spending more than $430,000 to get a matching grant from Brightspeed to bring high-speed internet service to more than 1,400 homes throughout the county.

The money – $437,650 – will be coupled with $437,651 from Brightspeed as part of a $4 million Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) Grant Phase II, according to information from Franklin Public Information Officer James Hicks.

The county will use ARPA funds to fulfill its commitment.

“This is an important milestone to celebrate,” said Franklin County Manager Kim Denton. “Five and a half years ago, the County began very focused efforts to improve broadband access and that work continues to move forward.”

Increased broadband access expands opportunities for education, healthcare, economic development and personal enrichment and entrepreneurship.

The locations of this deployment are in areas around Franklinton, Youngsville, to the east and north of Louisburg and in several areas along Highway 401 near Royal and to the west of Bunn.

A previous $3.9 million GREAT Grant – Phase I – provided high-speed fiber internet to nearly 2,000 homes in underserved areas of Franklin County. That project deployed fiber internet to 1,978 homes in the unincorporated areas of Franklinton, Centerville, Wood, Justice, Bunn, Green Hill, Laurel Mill, Montgomery, Firetower, NC 561, NC 56 East, Alert and Perry.

GREAT grants, established by N.C. legislature and awarded by N.C. Broadband Infrastructure Office, are provided to private broadband service providers to “facilitate the deployment of broadband service to unserved areas of North Carolina,” according to the Broadband Office’s website. For more information, please visit https://www.ncbroadband.gov/grants/great-grant.

Franklin County residents can find out more about broadband efforts in the County and see a map by visiting https://www.franklincountync.gov/community/broadband.php

 

NC Cooperative Extensions Offer Pesticide Application Recertification Hours June 27

Anyone who needs recertification hours to stay certified for pesticide application can register to attend a class offered June 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Participants can earn two recertification hours for categories A, B, D, G, H, I, K, L, M, N, O, T or X.

Class locations are listed below.  Registration is required. Sign up by calling the Person County Extension Center 336-.599.1195 or by visiting https://go.ncsu.edu/2023multicredit.

This will be an in-person class only.

Be sure you have all your credit hours to remain certified for applying the pesticides you need. If you have any questions regarding this information or about requirements needed for your current licensure, contact Mikayla Berryhill at 336.599.1195 or 919.603.1350 or by email mikayla_berryhill@ncsu.edu.

 

CLASS LOCATIONS:

  • Vance County Regional Farmers Market, 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson
  • N.C. Cooperative Extension, Granville County Center, 125 Oxford Outer Loop, Oxford
  • N.C. Cooperative Extension, Person County Center, 304 S. Morgan Street, Roxboro
  • N.C. Cooperative Extension, Warren County Center, 158 Rafters Ln, Warrenton

TownTalk: Former NC Governor McCrory Talks Division In Politics

In 2012, Pat McCrory was elected as governor of North Carolina. He served one term, having attained statewide recognition as mayor of Charlotte from 1995-2009. He lost a bid for a U.S. Senate seat in 2022.

No longer seeking election himself, McCrory in the last month has accepted a role as national co-chair of an organization called No Labels.

It’s not a political party and it won’t be endorsing candidates, but it has the potential to affect upcoming national elections, he explained, by offering voters a choice other than what’s on the traditional Democrat or Republican tickets.

McCrory was a guest on Tuesday’s TownTalk to discuss his association with No Labels and what it is working on at a national level.

No Labels, established in 2009, is oiling its political machine in advance of the upcoming 2024 Presidential elections.

McCrory cited recent polls that show voters are dissatisfied with the current frontrunners for President. And if Super Tuesday – the day many states hold primaries – produces a Trump-Biden race, then No Labels could jump into the race with its own candidates.

“No Labels is talking about running a bipartisan third-party option,” McCrory said. “A Republican and Democrat on the ticket.”

The main push now, he said, is getting on states’ ballots now. They have been added in five or six states, but the goal is 20 by December and, ultimately, all 50 states. “We hope to be in North Carolina in a short period of time,” he noted.

The group is expected to release a more detailed agenda in July with additional information about a variety of topics it will get behind.

He said No Labels seeks to provide a common-sense approach to address challenges that the mainline parties find little on which to compromise.

“I’m a conservative who believes the more competition, the better.” Divisions and failure to find compromise among political parties only create chaos, he said.

“I’m in favor of more choice,” McCrory said. And if No Labels does come up with a President/Vice President team as an alternative for voters, dissatisfied with the options from traditional parties, make no mistake: “It’ll be to win, not to be a spoiler.”

Read more at https://www.nolabels.org/ and listen to the complete interview with McCrory just below.

CLICK PLAY!

 

FSU Bronco Roundup Set For July 11 At Fox Pond Park

Attention, Fayetteville State University alumni in the four-county area:

The annual Bronco Roundup & Sendoff is just a few weeks off and organizers hope alums will join in the fun!

The FSU Alumni Chapter representing Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin counties is hosting the free event on Saturday, July 22 beginning at 2 p.m. at Fox Pond Park Shelter #1.

Please RSVP by texting 252.213.5977 by July 10, so organizers can plan appropriately.

This event is open to any FSU alumni in the area, according to contact person Tannis Jenkins.

Planning & Inspections Dept. Launches New Process To Ease Building Permit Review

-information courtesy of Franklin County Public Information Officer James Hicks

Franklin County has announced a new process for building plan reviews aimed at expediting plan approval.

With an eye on providing better customer service, the county’s Planning & Inspections Department has created an Expedited Residential Plan Review process to facilitate the building permit review process for residents for residential additions, renovations and accessory structures – like decks, pools, garages and sheds.

“This new process is aimed to facilitate the permitting process for those unfamiliar with building code requirements as well as assisting entities desiring an expedited permitting timeline,” said Planning & Inspections Director Scott Hammerbacher.

Interested applicants can schedule an appointment to meet with permitting staff but must have received zoning approval from the appropriate jurisdiction and applied for a septic re-check, if applicable, prior to the scheduled appointment. Appointments may be scheduled on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

Applicants should bring proposed building plans for the plans examiner to review and make modifications as necessary for building code compliance.

To schedule an appointment or find out more information, call 919.496.2281, email malford@franklincountync.gov or hheston@franklincountync.gov or visit the Planning & Inspections Department at 127 Shannon Village, Louisburg.

Franklin Health Dept. Starting Programs For New Moms and Moms-To-Be

– information courtesy of Franklin County Public Information Officer James Hicks

Franklin County Health Department is launching two new programs for new moms and moms-to-be.

“Ready, Set, BABY” and “Safe Sleep Baby” are new initiatives from Franklin County’s Health Department designed to help mothers prepare for the birth of their baby by offering free classes – taught by certified instructors — on infant safe sleep and breastfeeding basics. The programs are funded through a three-year Reducing Infant Mortality in Communities grant from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services that was awarded to Franklin County in December 2022.

Classes begin in July and will be conducted at multiple locations in Franklin County and are open to all women who are pregnant or postpartum and their support persons.

The Reducing Infant Mortality Program aims to educate and support mothers on how to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related causes of infant death. The program will also help mothers learn the basics and benefits of breastfeeding as well as overcoming common challenges. Participants will receive free items like Boppy pillows, Pack ‘n Plays, breast pumps and much more. The program also provides resources and referrals to other services that can help mothers and their babies.

Sign up at http://www.franklincobaby.as.me or call 919.496.2533. For more information about this grant or the health department, contact Allison Saad at 919.496.2533 or asaad@franklincountync.gov.

Visit www.franklincohealth.org to learn about all its programs and services.

Franklin County Commissioners Approved FY24 Budget

— Information courtesy of Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks

Franklin County Schools is a big winner in the newly adopted 2023-24 budget, getting an additional $2.6 million from the draft originally presented to the board of commissioners for a total amount of more than $25 million.

This figure represents the largest education budget ever funded in the county.

“Quality education is the foundation for a qualified and engaged workforce needed to support economic development,” said County Manager Kim Denton.

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Franklin County’s FY24 Budget at the conclusion of the public hearing on Monday, June 5.

“Franklin County staff works hard every year to put together a balanced budget that will meet the County’s growth,” said Denton. “The county is committed to be a ‘Fiscally Strong and Engaged Government’ as stated in the County’s Mission, Vision, Values and Goals.”

The FY24 Adopted Budget added positions specifically identified as providing direct services, funding technology solutions, providing vehicles to accomplish service delivery, maintaining competitive employee compensation and benefits and providing resources to complete infrastructure and economic expansion projects.

The budget includes increased support for public safety including four new positions, 10 new vehicles for the Patrol Division, and salary adjustments in the Sheriff’s Office, Detention Center and Emergency Communications. Additionally, a new position within the Emergency Medical Services Department (EMS) and the purchase of an ambulance were also included in the budget. EMS will use the new position and four reassigned positions to establish a second peak demand shift to respond to emergency calls during high volume times.

In addition to the historic budget allotment, the board of commissioners and board of education, along with their respective staffs, will continue discussion of school capital needs during the 2023-24 fiscal year.

Highlights from the FY24 budget include:

  • $113,849,022 General Fund budget
  • No increase to the current ad valorem property tax rate ($0.785)
  • 20 new county positions to address growth and the expanding need for services
  • 16 new vehicles (including 10 for Sheriff’s Office)
  • 2% COLA (cost of living adjustment) for county employees effective September 4, 2023
  • Public Utilities water and sewer rate increases
  • $26,828,192 to Franklin County Schools for Local Current Expense and Capital Outlay

In addition to the 2 percent COLA, the budget also funds a Classification and Compensation Study to help the county remain competitive for pay and recruitment of county positions.

A Community Care Team was approved and funded with the National Opioid Settlement Funds received by Franklin County.  The team will coordinate the county’s response to tackling substance abuse, mental health and opioid epidemic issues affecting our residents.

The County’s annual Fee Schedule was adopted by Board resolution.  The complete Fee Schedule can be found on the Finance Page of the County’s website. Fire Tax rates were increased for three fire districts: White Level, Franklinton and Hopkins.

Find the complete budget here: www.franklincountync.gov – under the Finance Department page.

TownTalk: The Future Of Epsom Park Coming To Fruition

It’s been a long time coming, but the sign announcing the “future home of Epsom Park” will soon be replaced – by Epsom Park.

Franklin County has received $434,625 in state grant funding to begin the process that ultimately will lead to Phase 1 completion of the park, located on Hwy. 39 at the Vance-Franklin county line.

Will Doerfer, Franklin County’s assistant manager, gave WIZS’s Bill Harris a little background on the process of finally getting matching grant funds from PARTF, the state’s Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.

“It has been a long time,” Doerfer said on Wednesday’s TownTalk. The old Epsom school was torn down back in the mid 2000’s and the sign planted, but after that, “for a variety of reasons, the park never developed.”

Now, with the grant funding, the park can move from planning and design to construction and installation. Phase 1 includes a multipurpose field, playground, volleyball court, paved walking trail, restrooms and picnic shelter. They have three years to use the money, but Doerfer said he hopes it won’t take that long to complete.

“The community is certainly excited about a park being developed,” he added. Given the location, residents from both counties will be able to enjoy the park’s amenities.

Franklin County’s grant is part of more than $17 million awarded to counties across the state in 2022 in the form of matching grants to local governments to attain their goals of increasing park and public access in their communities.

Doerfer said the county is planning a groundbreaking ceremony to officially kick off the construction of the park.

Get updates on progress at https://www.franklincountync.gov/

 

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

VGCC Logo

VGCC Announces President’s List, Dean’s List For Spring 2023 Semester

-information courtesy of Courtney Cissel, VGCC public information officer

Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 117 students earned President’s List academic honors and another 162 earned Dean’s List academic honors for the Spring 2023 semester, which ended in May.

The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (of at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student had to earn a GPA that was at least 3.5 but less than 4.0, and have no grade lower than “B,” while  carrying a “full load” of such courses.

Spring Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence. The Dean’s List follows the President’s List.  

Accounting & Finance: 

Calvin T. Davis of Creedmoor;

Shannon M. Currin-Wilkerson of Henderson;

Brooke Avila-Romero and Tamara D. Currie, both of Oxford.

Associate in Arts: 

Logan R. Lloyd of Creedmoor;

Madeline M. Akers, Helen E. Carter, Yadiel R. Cruz, Christopher T. Grainger, and Landon M. Marrow, all of Franklinton;

Maya M. Aleshmaly, Danielle S. Anderson, Jiya C. Davis, Christina A. Dobbs, Edgar A. Duran Ortiz, Waseem W. Hadi, Saniya S. Hargrove, Ivy Huynh, Elizabeth A. Lopez Gonzalez, and Briannah D. Royster, all of Henderson;

Dallas M. Thomas of Hurdle Mills;

Jayla M. Gregory of Kittrell;

Makayla R. Wright of Louisburg;

Faith L. Hunt, Emily E. Milton, and Olivia L. Watkins, all of Oxford;

Mark E. Miller of Sneads Ferry;

Sophia I. Remangwow and Charlie R. Vestal, both of Wake Forest;

Cintia Z. Rojas of Youngsville;

Samantha E. Bennett of Zebulon.

Associate in Science: 

Kacey E. Katz of Butner;

Abigail Y. Meader of Creedmoor;

Timothy D. Snead of Franklinton;

Marie P. O’Donoghue of Henderson;

Arturo De Jesu D. Martinez and Nakisha L. Satterfield, both of Oxford.

Automotive Systems Technology: 

Briar H. Pollard of Creedmoor.

Business Administration: 

Destini L. Foster of Butner;

Maryulit P. Tamayo of Franklinton;

Josalyn D. Brandon and Victoria A. Burwell, both of Oxford;

Julienne Bakita of Raleigh;

Lucas H. Breedlove of Stem;

Logan Kurth of Youngsville.

College Transfer Pathway: 

Elizabeth R. Ellis, Sydney A. Sinnema, and Kelsey B. Williamson, all of Bullock;

Trinity C. Alston and Delaney M. Lowery, both of Franklinton;

Chevy Chiem and Jillian L. Stone, both of Henderson;

Lila E. Issa and Antonious G. Makram, both of Louisburg;

Soha A. Algathi, Camden J. Boone, Chance M. Gresham, Hunter T. Onley, and Peyton B. Pernell, all of Oxford; Gracie A. Bullock of Stem;

Carly Stone and Niles Tuttle, both of Wake Forest;

Devon E. Taranto of Warrenton.

Cosmetology: 

Briana L. Sulyans and Kelaiah Williams, both of Henderson;

Abigail R. Draper of Louisburg;

Ashley N. Hobgood of Norlina;

Raina M. Hershberger of Oxford.

Criminal Justice Technology: 

Tayler L. Hope and Michael C. Lane, both of Creedmoor;

Brandon M. Schultek of Louisburg.

Early Childhood Education: 

Tokie Barrie of Creedmoor.

Early Childhood Education, Local: 

Deborah C. Joyce of Franklinton;

Blanche P. Davis, Taylor A. Whitlow, and Sherina N. Wiggins, all of Henderson.

Electrical Systems Technology: 

Kimberly C. Ezzell of Durham;

Anthony J. Cujas of Oxford.

Electronics Engineering Technology: 

Samuel H. Dickerson of Henderson;

Devin J. Hogan of Youngsville.

General Science AGE Degree: 

Valarie M. Ingutia of Franklinton;

Kyle M. Roberson of Henderson;

Dalfine K Sagini of Knightdale;

Jasmine C. Boswell and Darion Brodie, both of Oxford.

Histotechnology: 

Jennifer Lomas of Durham;

Euice T. Duque of Henderson.

Human Services Technology, Substance Abuse: Christina M. Chiappette of Zebulon.

Information Technology: 

Lukusa M. Nganga of Clayton;

Shane B. Hope of Creedmoor;

Christian T. Oakley and Nathan T. Preddy, both of Franklinton;

Dorothy B. Greene and John Francis Linge, both of Henderson;

Andrew Nanfro of Louisburg;

Owen C. Pienkosz and Hector L. Riosboth, both of Oxford;

Tyson W. Carpenter of Stem.

Mechatronics Engineering Technology: 

Larry P. Card of Franklinton;

David A. Scoggins of Louisburg;

William J. Currin of Oxford.

Medical Assisting Diploma: 

Felicia M. Douglas of Creedmoor.

Medical Office Administration: 

Jamie Wayman of Knightdale;

Nina M. Johnson of Whitsett;

Ashley M. Rogers of Youngsville.

Office Administration Diploma: 

Brenda I. Hernandez Malpica of Butner.

Public Safety Administration: 

Jeffrey T. Cannady of Durham;

Raymond D. Finch of Franklinton;

Jeffrey W. Turner of Henderson;

Julian S. Todd of Louisburg;

Olivia P. Harrell of Oxford;

Christopher W. Bentley of Timberlake.

Radiography: 

Shayde O. Lake of Wake Forest.

Welding Technology: 

Townes A Keithley of Butner;

Ethan C. Shearon of Louisburg;

Aaron D. Royster of Oxford;

Dylan M Kirk of Wake Forest.

 

Spring Semester Dean’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence. 

Accounting & Finance: 

Zachary Vick and Marc Neil S. Yacapin, both of Oxford.

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology: 

Randy M. Palacios of Henderson;

Bryan A. Lugo of Oxford.

Associate in Arts: 

Kristopher J. Arias of Butner;

Brenda Avendano-Lopez and Luke R. Wagoner, both of Creedmoor;

Alaija N. Alexander, Havilyn L. Holland, and Micah Jones, all of Franklinton;

Amari J. Anderson, Nia L. Branch, Jackson R. Edwards, Fernando G. Facundo, Yahir Florentino, George T. Grissom, Brendan C. Juengling, Timyra D. Nicholson, Fatima M. Ramirez, and Cristian Trejo, all of Henderson;

Shyenne L. Richardson of Hollister;

Juelz S. Holden and Bryce L. Tilghman, both of Kittrell;

Hailey N. Murphy, Kaleb B. Turrentine, and Jakayla A. Woodard, all of Louisburg;

Diamond K. Alexander and Mariah S. Krupa, both of Manson;

Yelitza Valenzuela Valdiolivar of Norlina;

Kirsten S. Eakes, Jason S. Elliott, Na’ziyah T. Fields, LaShawnti E. Howard, Abigail F. Ramsey, and Melanie Hernandez-Campos, all of Oxford;

Hannah J. Bowling of Stem;

Olivia R. Kuttles of Wake Forest;

Alexandra C. Phelps, Kayla A. Puca, and Mia K. Reavis, all of Youngsville;

Kaleb L. Harris of Zebulon.

Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts: 

Jasmine K. Yancey of Henderson;

Suzanne S. Alsayde of Oxford.

Associate in Science: 

Brianna N. Kirkland of Creedmoor;

Trenton W. Pendleton, Jasmin J. Perez, and Stephanie Carlos Sias, all of Franklinton;

Matthew M. Lamey, Christopher B. Moore, Rosa G. Perez Sandoval, Katia M. Portillo, and Katlyn N. Singleton, all  of Henderson;

Kristina R. Ratliff and Tyler D. Vowell, both of Louisburg;

Alexis M. Broge of Oxford;

Beatrice N. Chavis of Raleigh;

Caleb S. Ferrell of Timberlake;

Ashley E. Davis and Olivia G. Fuller, both of Youngsville.

Automotive Systems Technology: 

Christopher C. Brantley of Creedmoor.

Bioprocess Technology:

Lucas S. Clayton of Henderson.

Business Administration: 

Shiquita S. Evans of Bullock;

Lisa K. Ferguson and Avery G. Pearce, both of Franklinton;

Haley L. Williams of Henderson;

Christie C. Parker and Kayla D. Stancil, both of Oxford;

Cain Stewart of Raleigh;

Mackenzie R. Bell of Roxboro;

Bryson B. Lynn of Youngsville.

College Transfer Pathway: 

Reese E. Newton of Bullock;

Katherine R. Pyle of Creedmoor;

Dorothy J. Cascino of Durham;

Kristen M. Laney, Margaret G. McIlroy, and Carter E. Scott, all of Franklinton; Reem M. Alashmaly, Elijah M. Alston, Harlie A. Culbreth, and Andrea Villa Gallardo, all of Henderson;  Gavin L. Owens of Kittrell;

Karla O. Flores-Reyes of Louisburg;

Ace W. Currin, John B. Hunt, Kylena D. Jones, all of Oxford;

Adam T. Sultan of Rolesville;

Aaron M. Comer of Rougemont;

Luannie Arreola of Stem;

Jeremiah J. Benfer of Wake Forest.

Cosmetology: 

Cordeja J. Thomas of Franklinton;

Eboni S. Turner of Henderson;

Kaitlyn A. Driver and Kelly D. Griffin, both of Louisburg;

Neftali Santamaria-Palacios of Oxford;

Molly S. Osteen of Rolesville;

Ayanna C. Rivera of Wake Forest;

Jazsmin L. Kearney of Warrenton.

Criminal Justice Technology: 

Victoria A. Markham of Henderson.

Early Childhood Education: 

Latoyria R. Bullock of Henderson;

Roneka A. McGee of Enfield.

Early Childhood Education, Local: 

Thaydra M. Baskerville of Henderson.

Electrical Systems Technology: 

Ryan T. Hall of Creedmoor;

Ayden J. Callahan, James L. Hunt, and James W. Matthews, all of Henderson.

Electronics Engineering Technology: 

Tyler Hill of Creedmoor;

Terrance J. Gowan of Franklinton.

General Science AGE Degree: 

Jaice A. Roberts and Christopher B. Wilson, both of Oxford; Marcie N. Brumfield of Rougemont.

Histotechnology: 

Yarelic T. Amaya and Da-John P. Henderson, both of Henderson; Ruth T. Kahsai of Holly Springs;

Laila R. Daniel of Oxford;

Natasha Staley of Snow Camp.

Human Services Technology: 

Delois Hart and Heather O. Lopez, both of Henderson.

Human Services Technology, Gerontology: 

Smya Z. Daniel of Oxford.

Human Services Technology, Substance Abuse: 

Netitia C. Jones of Durham;

Gwendolyn Clayton of Stem;

Mary W. Mills of Youngsville.

Information Technology: 

Michael A. Martinez Rivera of Creedmoor;

Christopher S. Lopez of Durham;

Jakayla R. Henderson of Henderson;

Daneka B. Bigelow of Louisburg;

Keithia S. Rainey and Grace A. Wright, both of Oxford; Bryan T. Fuller of Warrenton.

Mechatronics Engineering Technology: 

Ethan P. Jones of Bullock;

Andrew D. Alston of Wake Forest.

Medical Assisting: 

Thurman A. Gardner of Louisburg;

Gissell E. Espinosa Rosas of Oxford;

Cinthya Avila-Romero of Stem.

Medical Assisting Diploma: 

Erin E. Womble of Butner;

Emily Valenzuela Valdiolivar of Henderson;

Toshiba S. Valentine of Norlina.

Medical Office Administration: 

Candice Brooks of Cary;

Haley R. Briggs of Creedmoor;

Madison N. Yorks of Durham;

Sasha I. Lacy and Shelby E. Mikels, both of Franklinton.

Paralegal Technology: 

Rossy G. Contreras-Baez of Durham;

Sharon C. Chavis of Raleigh;

Doris D. Youmans of Winston-Salem.

Public Safety Administration: 

Christopher L. Blackwell and John D. Cottrell, both of Oxford.

Radiography: 

Adtler S. Lake of Creedmoor;

Camden J. Spain of Henderson;

Ellen J. Newton of Oxford;

Anna Nie of Raleigh;

Kailey G. Mangum of Rougemont;

Madison E. Dunkley of Roxboro;

Jenna M. Curry of Stem.

Technical Special Student: 

Zachary D. Dickerson of Oxford;

Amanda G. Murray of Youngsville.

Welding Technology: 

William F. Elliott and Andrew L. Tinsley, both of Bullock; Jaden M. Griffin of Creedmoor;

Brian M. Griffin and Ravon M. Nichols, both of Henderson; Nolan A Dickerson of Oxford;

Jay X. Bright of Wake Forest.

Upcoming American Red Cross Blood Drives In The Four-County Area

 

The Memorial Day weekend kicks off the unofficial start of summer, when people’s thoughts turn to vacations and relaxing a bit from normal routines. But the American Red Cross is asking for blood donors to keep appointments on their calendars, especially during the summer months and especially near holidays.

Type O blood donors are especially needed.

Blood donations are critical for people waiting for lifesaving care. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767) to schedule a time to give.

As a small thank you, the Red Cross is giving Red Cross beach towels to all donors (while supplies last) through May 31. May donors also will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2023 MLB All-Star game in Seattle. The prize includes two tickets to the game, round-trip airfare, four-night hotel stay, $750 gift card and more.

Those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Plus, they’ll also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package including a projector and screen, projector tripod, smokeless firepit, Adirondack chair set and a movie night snack package.

 

Here’s a list of upcoming blood drives in the four-county area between now and June 15:

Vance

Henderson

5/30/2023: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Central Baptist Church, 2574 Ruin Creek Rd.

6/8/2023: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Raleigh Road Baptist Church, 3892 Raleigh Rd.

Granville

Creedmoor

5/26/2023: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Ave.

Warren

Macon

6/1/2023: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Macon Baptist Church, 159 Church St.

 

Franklin

Louisburg

6/3/2023: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Rock Spring Baptist Church, 34 Rock Springs Church Rd.

 

How to donate blood 

To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.